United Airlines waives domestic change of fees permanently

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

United Airlines has decided to permanently waive change fees on all standard economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the United States, effective immediately. United customers will also be allowed to fly standby for free on a flight departing the day of their travel regardless of the type of ticket or class of service, starting January. As informed by the airline, the move is a first among United States-based carriers.

MileagePlus Premier members will be allowed to confirm a seat on a different flight on the same day with the same departure and arrival cities as their original ticket if a seat in the same ticket fare class is available. The carrier is also extending its waiver for new tickets issued through December in order to permit unlimited changes with no fee.

This policy will be applicable to all ticket types issued after March 3 this year and will be valid for domestic and international travel. The new change fee policy applies to all standard economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Customers will also not be limited in the number of times they adjust their flights.

Scott Kirby, Chief Executive, United Airlines said in his statement that change is inevitable at the present time but it is how the airline responds to what matters most. He informed that on customer feedback related to areas of improvement, getting rid of this particular fee has often been noticed as the top request. He mentioned that following previous tough times, airlines have made difficult decisions to survive, sometimes at the expense of customer service.

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